Question

Analyze healthcare results as reported in:

a. graphs, b. tables. (II.C.6)

Answer 1

Graphs are useful in presenting simple healthcare associated statistical data. They have a pronounced impact because of the underlying visual appeal and are hence popular in displaying health statistics through information bulletins, public health campaigns etc. Graphs are better retained in memory than crude statistical data. It is especially useful in communicating to laymen. One of the limiting factors for expression through graphs is that only simple data can be presented and often in order to simplify the data for graphical representation, crucial original data might be lost.

The graphical representation includes pie charts, histograms, pictograms and bar charts.

Tabular data has the advantage of presenting data from a mass of statistical data. It makes data organized and more readable. It is often a first step before data can be interpreted. Tables should have appropriate titles and data should be presented on the basis of importance. It includes simple tables, frequency distribution table etc.

The advantage of tabular presentation of healthcare data is that it can incorporate a huge amount of data. And this data can be organised better for interpretation. The disadvantage is that it requires skill to interpret and hence may not have as much of an impact as graphical data presentation.